Benefiting at work from Brain Based Insights

Are you aware that carbohydrate-rich meals tend to  increase serotonin levels? However, altering serotonin levels through food is not easy to achieve…  because both foods and serotonin react differently in each person. How so?

Some people may find a lift in mood after a carbohydrate-rich meal, while others tend to become relaxed or sleepy.

There’s also the fact that some foods which increase your serotonin levels are far from healthy food choices. Junk food, for instance,  may work well in the short run… but over time unhealthy serotonin-producing foods have the opposite effect you are looking for. For example… chocolate, candy and sweets… which contain simple carbohydrates… have the greatest serotonin impact. However,  their well-being or serotonin effect lasts 1 to 2 hours only. Have you noticed this phenomena?

On the other hand, complex carbohydrates found in foods such as certain breads, rice, potato, or pasta may increase serotonin levels only minimally. In fact, the protein content of these foods often tends to inhibit rather than increase serotonin production.

There are some commonalities though.... Try serotonin effects from healthier foods and see which ones work best for you:

To sleep better -- try carbohydrate-rich food and warm milk -- which contains a moderate amount of carbohydrate in the form of lactose

To stay awake during the afternoon --  try adding cheddar cheese or peanut butter to your plain bagel, along with  yogurt or cottage cheese for lunch.
 

For an active day at work, avoid heavier carbohydrates … and go more for  grains, starches, dried beans, peas, fruit, and vegetables in order to get healthier carbohydrates and hold muscle energy.

When you feel hungry… eat good amounts of protein and do include some fat. Great snacks for balanced serotonin include: fruit, low-fat granola bars, nuts, and low-fat crackers